Kids suffered most fireworks injuries

More than half of the 86 people treated this New Year’s for fireworks-related injuries were under 15, according to the state Department of Health.

Five were from 2 to 4 years old, while 44 were from 5 to 14. Only 13 victims were older than 30, the state said.

The total for fireworks injuries is lower than for 2005, when the state had a record high of 115 injuries. This year’s total is the second highest in the last six years.

Oahu saw a sizable decrease in injuries from the year before — 65 injuries this year compared with 97 in 2005.

There were 12 victims on the Big Island, three on Kauai and six on Maui. Statewide, most of the injuries — 89 percent — involved burns.

“We are always glad to hear of a decrease when it comes to any type of injury,” Eric Tash, program manager of the state’s Injury Prevention and Control program, said in a news release. “This may mean that more people are taking the necessary safety precautions.”

Almost all of the victims were treated at the hospital and released. Only one was hospitalized, the state said.